More women buying and using vans

The changing face of UK business and economy is shown by analysis of who is buying vans and for what purposes.

Women are increasingly jumping on the “vanwagon” as new research suggests more and more females are driving vans.

That is according to Wales-based insurer Confused.com which has seen a 52% surge in the number of female drivers taking out cover for vans. In total, 26,166 quoted for van insurance in 2017, which is up from 17,198 the previous year.

These figures are reflected in further research by the driver savings site, which revealed almost one in 10 (9%) UK drivers know a female motorist who has bought a van in the past two years.

While the reason for the sudden uptake remains to be seen, data from the driver savings site suggests owning a van is cheaper for women than it is men, which is just one of many possible reasons behind this spike.

Insurance premiums for female van drivers is £1,025 on average – £181 cheaper than it is for men, who get an average price of £1,206.

However, it goes without saying that this is still more expensive than the average car insurance premium, which sits at £715 for women, and £810 for men.

Cost aside, it’s clear more and more female drivers are in need of a van for work purposes. In fact, more than two fifths (41%) of women who own or drive a van mostly use it for business uses.

Data suggests this could be down to more women becoming self-employed, meaning we may just be seeing a new breed of white van drivers. The number of female dog-walkers, in particular, has increased a whopping 55% in just 12 months.

Similarly, 59% more female cleaners are taking out van insurance policies, and 76% more care assistants.